Childish Gambino's Brutal Music Video for "This Is America" Takes Aim at Gun Violence

Childish Gambino's back and he's taking aim at the lack of woke in America.

It's been a hot minute since we've gotten some new tunes from Donald Glover, a.k.a. Childish Gambino a.k.a. the man who can do everything, but, just as we predicted, a new tune dropped on 5 May and it's an eye-opener.

Dropping on Twitter, the first track of his final album, "This Is America" is a pretty clear departure from the smooth, soul-infused bangers on his previous album, "Awaken, My Love!", opting more for the trap style that is so en vogue right now.

But perhaps most importantly, the music video also dropped, and despite featuring some (intentionally) distracting dance moves, it's probably one of the most damning mainstream protest videos released in some time.

The video follows Glover as he imitates viral dance styles ('Shoot') while moving through a warehouse. In between his convincing performances, he shoots a man dead and, later, an entire gospel choir, before menacingly returning to his dancing.

Each time, the guns are carefully placed on red cloth as if they're more important than the lives they just took. It's incredibly powerful stuff and it's got everyone talking. 

“This is America” speaks to what audiences really want. The truth dipped in chocolate brilliance. Thanks, D.

— Lena Waithe (@LenaWaithe) May 6, 2018

I can't remember the last time I watched a music video all the way to the end, let alone one five times in a row. Incredible work! #ThisIsAmerica

— Trent Reznor (@trent_reznor) May 6, 2018

Glover has previously said that his album will be released "later this year" and if this is a sign of things to come, expect some very potent material to come. If you don't stay woke, he'll force you.

As a fun side note, SZA makes a sly cameo toward the end of the video so we're calling it now: a serious collab is definitely about to be released.

Watch the video once or twenty times below now.

Warning: The below video contains graphic violence.

Photo: YouTube (Donald Glover)